Is Flat Rate Driving Young Technicians Out of the Trade? with Tanner Watters

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In this episode, Jeff Compton talks with Tanner Waters, a field and shop technician in rural Montana, about his path into the trade and what life is like working on tractors, combines, and hay equipment. Tanner shares his apprenticeship experience, field diagnostics, long drives, and major repairs while comparing hourly efficiency pay with flat rate.

The conversation also explores why younger technicians leave the industry, the importance of shop culture and leadership, technician communication, diagnostic time, training apprentices, and the future of agricultural equipment with autonomy, EVs, emissions, and right to repair.

Timestamps:

00:00 Shop Culture Wins

00:34 Podcast Intro and Guest Setup

01:45 Montana Life and Fishing Talk

02:43 How Tanner Got Wrenching

03:24 Corvette and Hemi Memories

05:43 Wrangler Ownership and Oil Cooler